In this episode:
Angela and Libby host Women Talk Construction with guest Sarah Cripps, a senior ops manager at MPK, a matting access solution company supporting projects across the Carolinas, West Virginia, Virginia, and the U.S. Sarah explains that when schedules, budgets, and safety compete, a strong team culture and safety-focused customers help keep safety from being compromised. Drawing on her college basketball and softball experience, she emphasizes growing the “weakest link” through individualized support. Addressing workforce shortages, she says companies must treat employees as their most important asset, recognize their work, and consistently support them, including appreciation events regardless of profit margins. Sarah shares a key leadership lesson from realizing her micromanagement made teams inefficient and less safe. She highlights the often-unknown specialty access industry, noting MPK’s work in infrastructure, oil and gas, events, and major projects like the White House and the NFL Super Bowl, and directs listeners to LinkedIn and MPK/NPK social pages.
Supported by: NPK
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:05 Meet Sarah Cripps
02:12 Balancing Safety Budget Schedule
03:31 Sports Lessons for Leadership
06:04 MPK Spotlight Ad Break
08:20 Keeping Talent and Loyalty
11:40 Infrastructure Access Explained
13:05 Leadership Wake Up Call
16:03 Careers in Access Industry
18:37 Projects and Industries Served
20:14 Where to Find Sarah
20:44 Closing Thanks and Takeaways
About Sarah:
Born and raised in Oklahoma. Graduated from college with a Bachelor's in Business Management and an Associate's in Physical Education. Started in the industry in 2013 as a ground hand. Worked my way up in a few companies until I landed at Newpark (now known as NPK). I started as a field supervisor a little over 8 years ago.
Now I have a yard in WV, VA, and NC that I currently oversee. Some of my favorite hobbies are working out, playing softball, playing golf, and fishing. (Sent by email 10/26/2026; Google Form submission not found.)
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